Fred Astaire Dance Studio of Bonita Springs is joining us at the Naples Bridal Expo on this Sunday, November 12 at the Hilton Naples. BRIDES: Have you reserved your ticket yet? Get yours HERE!

As couples look for new ways to impress their guests on their wedding day, local dance pros share their top tips for creating unforgettable moments

With wedding budgets reaching an average of $32,641*, couples are getting more bang for their buck with wedding dances that impress their guests and put the pros to shame. While favors are forgettable and wedding cake is gone in the blink of an eye, a professionally polished wedding dance leaves an impression that a pricey floral arrangement just can’t match.

“There are a lot of important details to cover when it comes to dancing at a reception,” Fred Astaire Dance Studio owner Yuriy Datsyk said. “Choosing the right DJ or band is just the beginning. With proper preparation, couples will learn something timeless and romantic that they can perform at their wedding, their 50th anniversary and countless events in between.”

Secrets to Dancing like the Stars

As spring preparation turns into summer wedding ceremonies, the pros at Fred Astaire Dance Studio of Bonita Springs created this list of critical questions couples must consider when planning for their wedding dance.

1) What’s the wedding date? Most couples need two to three months of instruction and practice so they know the dance automatically without thinking about it.

2) What is your budget? Wedding dance lessons can cost as little as the average wedding cake to as much as the flowers and decorations, so having an idea of how much money you’re prepared to spend will help your instructor plan well.

3) What dress will the bride wear? Is there a long train? What about shoes and high heels? The couple should practice dancing in wedding clothes so they learn to avoid tripping hazards.

4) DJ or band? With a DJ, the instructors can make a special cut of the music that makes it easier for a dance. Bands are trickier because performers often play their own song renditions. Couples should practice dancing with the band so they know their dance matches the band’s version of the song.

5) What kind of dance? Fred Astaire Dance Studio pros say most couples pick out their song right away, but they have no idea how to dance to it. Instructors can help craft a dance that works with the song. Or if the couple has a dance style in mind, they can help pick a song to match the dance.

6) Who will be dancing? Wedding dance lessons aren’t just for the bride and groom anymore. Will there be a mother-son performance? Father-daughter? What about the wedding party?

7) How many guests, and how big is the dance floor? Instructors can map out dance moves so the couple faces the main audience most of the time. They’ll plan a dance around the layout of the room, the space and the location of the guests.

8) Photographer or videographer? Once couples know the dance, they need to meet with photographers and videographers so these pros know where to stand for the perfect shot.

9) Announcement of the bride and groom? Fred Astaire dance pros recommend couples dance when they first arrive so their guests can enjoy the dance and then move onto food and conversation. Otherwise, guests are caught off guard in the middle of their meal.

10) How long is the dance? Dance pros say the wedding dance song should be no longer than two minutes to reduce the stress on the couple. Plus, after two minutes, guests can get antsy and bored.

Yuriy and Alexsandra Datsyk retired from a decorated career as professional ballroom dancers in 1997, ready to take their professional relationship to the next step as instructors and eventual business owners. They came to America to work as dance teachers in 1999, then opened their first Fred Astaire Dance Studio in midtown Manhattan in 2003. After 11 successful years, they sold their New York studio and moved to Bonita Springs, where they opened the city’s first Fred Astaire Dance Studio in 2003 along with new partner and former professional dancer, Pavlo Bilych.

We're so excited that Complete Weddings + Events is one of the Sponsors of the Naples Bridal Expo! BRIDES: Have you registered for your {free} ticket yet? Get yours HERE!

About Complete Weddings + Events:

Complete Weddings + Events of Southwest Florida, is your leading provider of wedding photography, videography, lighting, DJ services and photo booth rental. Whatever you need to set the stage for a phenomenal special event, we have you covered. Complete Music Video Photo has gathered the most talented SW Florida wedding photographers, videographers, and SW Florida’s DJs.

This is your time. This is what you do. Creating and capturing this moment with photos, videos and music — that’s what we do.

We stay ahead of the tech curve, and we train our staff to uphold the highest standards of professionalism and quality work at an affordable price.

When you want expert photos, high-definition video and a gorgeous soundtrack, you need professionals who are passionate about creating things that last.

Verandah Club will be joining us at the Naples Bridal Expo this Sunday, June 18 at the Hyatt Regency Coconut Point. BRIDES - have you secured your ticket yet? Get yours HERE!

Weddings at Verandah

We understand that an extraordinary event doesn’t simply happen, it is planned. First impressions are always essential and our professional and experienced staff will help make your event memorable, beautiful and stress-free.

The Food and Beverage Department at Verandah is dedicated to working with you, as a team, toward the complete success of your event.

Be sure to stop by the Verandah Club booth tomorrow! Contact Brooke Alexander for more information or to schedule a site visit at (239) 694-7229. OR visit their website at: verandahgolfclub.com/weddings/

Fred Astaire Dance Studio of Bonita Springs is joining us at the Naples Bridal Expo on June 18 at the Hyatt Regency Coconut Point. BRIDES: Have you reserved your ticket yet? Get yours HERE!

The Pros at the Fred Astaire Dance Studio of Bonita Springs share their "Secrets for Perfecting the First Dance":

As couples look for new ways to impress their guests on their wedding day, local dance pros share their top tips for creating unforgettable moments

With wedding budgets reaching an average of $32,641*, couples are getting more bang for their buck with wedding dances that impress their guests and put the pros to shame. While favors are forgettable and wedding cake is gone in the blink of an eye, a professionally polished wedding dance leaves an impression that a pricey floral arrangement just can’t match.

“There are a lot of important details to cover when it comes to dancing at a reception,” Fred Astaire Dance Studio owner Yuriy Datsyk said. “Choosing the right DJ or band is just the beginning. With proper preparation, couples will learn something timeless and romantic that they can perform at their wedding, their 50th anniversary and countless events in between.”

Secrets to Dancing like the Stars

As spring preparation turns into summer wedding ceremonies, the pros at Fred Astaire Dance Studio of Bonita Springs created this list of critical questions couples must consider when planning for their wedding dance.

1) What’s the wedding date? Most couples need two to three months of instruction and practice so they know the dance automatically without thinking about it.

2) What is your budget? Wedding dance lessons can cost as little as the average wedding cake to as much as the flowers and decorations, so having an idea of how much money you’re prepared to spend will help your instructor plan well.

3) What dress will the bride wear? Is there a long train? What about shoes and high heels? The couple should practice dancing in wedding clothes so they learn to avoid tripping hazards.

4) DJ or band? With a DJ, the instructors can make a special cut of the music that makes it easier for a dance. Bands are trickier because performers often play their own song renditions. Couples should practice dancing with the band so they know their dance matches the band’s version of the song.

5) What kind of dance? Fred Astaire Dance Studio pros say most couples pick out their song right away, but they have no idea how to dance to it. Instructors can help craft a dance that works with the song. Or if the couple has a dance style in mind, they can help pick a song to match the dance.

6) Who will be dancing? Wedding dance lessons aren’t just for the bride and groom anymore. Will there be a mother-son performance? Father-daughter? What about the wedding party?

7) How many guests, and how big is the dance floor? Instructors can map out dance moves so the couple faces the main audience most of the time. They’ll plan a dance around the layout of the room, the space and the location of the guests.

8) Photographer or videographer? Once couples know the dance, they need to meet with photographers and videographers so these pros know where to stand for the perfect shot.

9) Announcement of the bride and groom? Fred Astaire dance pros recommend couples dance when they first arrive so their guests can enjoy the dance and then move onto food and conversation. Otherwise, guests are caught off guard in the middle of their meal.

10) How long is the dance? Dance pros say the wedding dance song should be no longer than two minutes to reduce the stress on the couple. Plus, after two minutes, guests can get antsy and bored.

(*According to The Knot’s 2015 Real Wedding Survey)

About Fred Astaire Dance Studio of Bonita Springs

Yuriy and Alexsandra Datsyk retired from a decorated career as professional ballroom dancers in 1997, ready to take their professional relationship to the next step as instructors and eventual business owners. They came to America to work as dance teachers in 1999, then opened their first Fred Astaire Dance Studio in midtown Manhattan in 2003. After 11 successful years, they sold their New York studio and moved to Bonita Springs, where they opened the city’s first Fred Astaire Dance Studio in 2003 along with new partner and former professional dancer, Pavlo Bilych.

We're so excited that Tower Dental Arts will be joining us at the Naples Bridal Expo on June 18 at the Hyatt Regency Coconut Point. BRIDES: Did you reserve your ticket yet? Get yours HERE!

About Tower Dental Arts and Dr. Sonia Rocha:

Tower Dental Arts provides three state-of-the-art dental facilities located in Bonita Springs, Naples and Fort Myers, Florida. We offer the very best in modern day cosmetic, restorative and preventative dental care for your entire family utilizing the latest technology, safest materials and procedures available.

Serving the Southwest Florida area for over 22 years, Dr. Rocha specializes in creating beautiful, impacting smiles with a gentle and caring touch for patients of all ages. From preventative dental cleanings to full mouth reconstruction, your care, restored functionality and confidence in your smile is our number one priority!

Same day dental emergencies and new patients are always welcome! Ask us about our flexible financing programs when you contact us today for your initial appointment.

Get your smile ready for the big day -- stop by the Tower Dental Arts booth at the Naples Bridal Expo.